“We need ice,” is a phrase that many people find inconvenient because it requires them to stop what they are doing and go find a pack of ice. The production of portable ice makers makes your life more comfortable and efficient by enabling you to make ice from the comfort of your home. These products come with different features that add to your convenience, including electronic control panels, large ice baskets, and compact designs, among others. With so many brand names in the market, how can you identify the product for your needs?
Well, we put together a list of the ten best portable ice makers that you can find in this competitive market. By looking at the information below, you can recognize the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each product, and in turn, purchase an item that fits your requirements.
List of the Best Portable Ice Makers in 2023
10. Igloo ICEB33SL
This portable ice maker measures 14.1 × 9.7 × 11.5 inches and provides you with a compact product that can easily fit on your kitchen countertop. The product weighs 22.3 pounds, which makes it easy for you to transport it for storage or use whenever necessary. Besides this, the portable ice maker features a transparent window at the top through which you can see the ice forming.
Additionally, the design of the product incorporates a control panel at the front that includes LED indicators that show when the ice basket is full and when to add more water. The control panel also allows you to choose between making small or large ice cubes, making it highly convenient. This stylish portable ice maker can provide you with 33 pounds of ice every 24 hours, and its ice basket has a capacity of 2 pounds.
Pros
- Removable ice basket
- 33-pound capacity
- LED control panel
Cons
- Overfilling with water may cause inconvenience
9. Luma Comfort Portable
Luna Comfort provides you with a portable ice maker designed with stainless steel that ensures you have a durable product that is also easy to clean and maintain. The door of the product features plastic construction that is sturdy and can last for a long time without breaking. Moreover, the portable ice maker comes with a scoop and ice basket for added convenience.
The design of this product also forms less fizz and offers you clear ice that melts more slowly while tasting better. The incorporated powerful compressor can provide you with 28 pounds of ice per day, which enables you to prepare for events comfortably without having to buy ice packs. This convenient and portable ice maker can create cube-shaped ice every fifteen minutes, reducing your waiting time. You also can place it on your countertop because the compact size does not take up much space.
Pros
- Convenient and compact design
- Control panel
- Powerful compressor
Cons
- Cubes may stick together
8. Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker
This portable ice maker comes with a freestanding design that enables you to place it conveniently on any table or countertop in your kitchen. The product has dimensions of 14.1 × 11 × 13.7 inches, which will allow you to utilize and store the item in minimal space. You can easily clean and maintain this portable ice maker since the product features stainless steel construction.
In addition to this, the design includes an LCD with electronic controls for comfortable usage. The timer has an eight-hour delay as well as on-time production of ice, which makes it easy to control your utility as necessary. The portable ice maker has a capacity of holding 2.2 liters of water and provide you with twenty-four ice cubes in each of the five cycles. Further, the detachable ice basket can hold up to 2.2 pounds of ice at a time.
Pros
- Automatic shut-off
- See-through window
- Easy to operate
Cons
- May need to cut the ice to break it up
7. Prime Home Portable
This portable ice maker from Prime Home Direct provides you with a quality product that includes an ice scoop and a removable ice bucket. The stainless finish ensures you have a stylish product that can match with any kitchen décor. Additionally, the compact size of this portable ice maker enables you to fit the item on a table or kitchen countertop, and store it with ease.
Besides this, you can make chewable ice cubes in around eight minutes, making it ideal if you are in a hurry. This portable ice maker can produce a maximum of 26 pounds of ice in a day, which can help you when hosting a party or event. The design includes warning lights that automatically prevent overflow and a shut-off feature that automatically turns off the product when the ice basket is full.
Pros
- Incorporates smart features
- Removable ice basket
- Stainless steel finish
Cons
- Hard water may compromise its durability
6. Frigidaire EFIC206-SILVER
This portable ice maker from FRIGIDAIRE includes a sizeable transparent window at the top that enables you to see the ice production process and monitor the necessary levels. The silver finish on the product provides you with a sleek portable ice maker that can match any interior design in your kitchen. In addition to this, the design also features an air outlet that boosts operation and durability.
You can also use the LED incorporated in the portable ice maker to monitor the level of ice and select your preferred ice-cube size. The detachable ice basket and inclusion of a drain plug make it easy for you to clean and maintain the product. Further, this heavy-duty and portable ice maker can produce up to 48lbs of ice per day, making it perfect for hosting events.
Pros
- Compact size that saves space
- Compressor cooling system
- Convenient to use
Cons
- Challenging to clean hard-to-reach areas
5. VIVOHOME Electric Portable
This portable ice maker comes with a black finish that offers you a premium and stylish product that can match with any style. The top of the product includes an LED control panel that alerts you when the water level is low and when to remove a full ice bucket. This portable ice maker also incorporates smart features that automatically protect the product from overflow. As well, you can select between large and small size options to produce ice cubes of your preference.
You can efficiently operate this portable ice maker by plugging the product in power and adding the required water. The item can make a maximum of 26 pounds of ice cubes every 24 hours, with a single taking around six minutes. The lightweight and portable qualities of this product ensure you can comfortably place it in your kitchen countertop or store it without using a lot of space.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compact and lightweight design
- Quality compressor cooling system
Cons
- May be noisy during the collection cycle
4. GE Profile Opal
The GE Profile Opal presents you with a sleek product featuring a stylish design that adds elegance to your kitchen décor. This portable ice maker measures 15.5 × 14.25 × 17.2 inches, which enables you to use and store the product without taking up too much space. Besides this, the product does not need a water hookup, and you can operate the portable ice maker by connecting it to any standard 120v grounded electrical outlet.
Additionally, the design of the product ensures that the water from melting ice returns to the reservoir and will turn into the ice with more production. This portable ice maker features Bluetooth compatibility using the free GE Profile Opal app that enables you to schedule and to monitor the ice cube production. The bin can hold a maximum of 3pounds at a time, while the product can produce 24 pounds of ice per day.
Pros
- Perfect size for countertops
- Produces ice cubes quickly
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- It is expensive
3. Euhomy Ice Maker
This portable ice maker includes an LED control panel located at the front of the product whose lights signal to you when to add water or when to remove the full ice bucket. The options also allow you to select between large and small sizes, enabling you to make ice cubes according to your needs. You do not have to worry about distracting noises because the portable ice maker features advanced technology that operates a quiet compressor.
Moreover, the portable ice maker also comes with a see-through window at the top that enables you to monitor the ice production process. The package of this product includes a detachable ice basket and a scoop that helps you handle the ice cubes conveniently. You can easily transport and store this item because the portable ice maker is lightweight and compact.
Pros
- Package includes an ice bucket and a scoop
- Simple to use
- Generates 26 pounds of ice per day
Cons
- May be noisy when releasing ice into the bin
2. Vremi Countertop Ice
Vremi provides you with a portable ice maker measuring 9.5 × 12 × 13.5 inches, which makes it ideal to fit on kitchen tabletops and countertops. The product can produce a maximum of 26 pounds of ice per day, which enables you to prepare when hosting a party. You also can create nine bullet-shaped and chewable ice cubes in around ten minutes, allowing you to save on time.
Furthermore, this portable ice maker incorporates smart control features that allow you to know when the basket is full, and when you need to refill the water. The warning lights also prevent overflowing that would otherwise damage the product. This portable ice maker utilizes a quiet cooling function that ensures no annoying distractions for you and your guests.
Pros
- Has a 2.2 liter-water capacity
- Easy to operate
- Compact and convenient design
Cons
- Backed up ice may cause the product to stop making ice
1. IKICH Portable Ice
IKICH presents you with an elegant product designed with sturdy ABS material that ensures you have a quality and long-lasting portable ice maker. This item comes with a control panel that makes it easy to operate this product. As well, you can choose the size that you want and make small or large ice cubes. The sizeable translucent window included at the top enables you to see and check the ice and water levels when necessary.
Moreover, the removable ice basket and scoop that come with the product add to your convenience when handling the ice cubes. The compact design measuring 8.7 × 12.3 × 12.6 inches ensures that you can comfortably carry and place it on a kitchen countertop. Besides, the powerful compressor provides efficient and quiet production while using low consumption.
Pros
- Efficient ice production
- Durable material
- Convenient size
Cons
- Filling water to the maximum may cause cubes to sit and melt
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do the portable ice makers have a drain hose?
A: Most of these portable ice makers have a drain plug that makes it easier for you to clean and maintain the product. The drain holes in these items eliminate the need for a drain hose; hence, you can verify your preferred features before purchase.
Q: Are the portable ice makers noisy?
A: The manufacturers incorporate numerous technological advancements to offer you a product that makes as little noise as possible. Of course, depending on the size of your house, the clarity of the noise will vary where the larger your home is, the lesser distance the low sound will travel. Conversely, the noise will be more audible if your kitchen or house is smaller. Nevertheless, these products are relatively quiet, and the sounds produced are not the annoying and distracting type.
Q: Why do the portable ice makers produce a click sound and not make ice?
A: The click sounds come out when the water in the tank is inadequate. You always need to ensure that there is enough water in the product to prevent this noise from occurring. You can add more water or choose to turn off the portable ice maker to avoid damages.
Conclusion
Altogether, the reviews of the top ten portable ice makers above aim to help you to create a useful buying guide that will lessen the time needed to purchase a product. This knowledge, combined with some of the frequently asked questions, will allow you to understand the market and eventually obtain a portable ice maker that satisfactorily addresses your needs.